Proteins

Expo East in review

Snack spotting at Expo East turns up paleo muffins, veggie treats, on-the-go nut butter & more

02-Oct-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

With snacking replacing more meals in the US, manufacturers are responding with a variety of fast, on-the-go options that are packed with nutrients, protein, fiber and energy.

Quorn snapped up by Filipino company for £550M

02-Oct-2015 By Alice Foster

Quorn Foods has been sold to Filipino branded consumer goods company Monde Nissin for £550M, ending months of speculation.

Entrepreneurs to watch

5 tips for a successful Kickstarter campaign from grass fed meat delivery startup Butcher Box

01-Oct-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

One key to a successful Kickstarter campaign is to create “stretch goals” that incentivize existing backers to find more investors to help unlock additional rewards, advises Michael Salguero, founder of the grass fed meat delivery service Butcher Box.

Expo East in review

Enjoy Life Foods elevates baking mixes with in-demand, functional ingredients

28-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Retailers that initially warned Enjoy Life Foods not to enter the baking mix segment are now clamoring to stock the manufacturer’s new line of five ready-to-use mixes in large part because they go beyond the convenience of competitors to include hot functional...

Ancient, yet modern? Sacha inchi and hemp give formulators new options in plant-based proteins

28-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Hemp and sacha inchi – two ‘ancient yet modern’ sources of protein from seeds – are gaining traction in the burgeoning plant-based protein set, although their premium price tag means they are unlikely to become as big as rice or pea protein – at least...

Expo East in review

Flapjacked meets demand for more protein with easy-to-make pancake and muffin mixes

28-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

High protein, easy-to-eat foods are no longer limited to bars and shakes – now they can also be found in familiar baked goods that appeal to carb-loving consumers, thanks to companies like Flapjacked. 

Expo East in review

Versatile probiotic GanedenBC30 adds value to a variety of products showcased at Expo East

25-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Ganeden BC30 probiotic is a hot ingredient right now, as demonstrated by a slew of diverse products featuring it at Expo East. The probiotic is in demand in part because it can help packaged goods stand out from competitors and gain entrance to the much...

Expo East in review

OTA aims to align supply, demand and farming profitability of organic by 2030

24-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Sales of organic are skyrocketing in the U.S. with demand often outstripping supply, but the Organic Trade Association has a plan to bring into balance by 2030 the market growth, acreage growth and farming profitability of organic. 

60-second interview: Vicky Fligel, business development manager, Glanbia Nutritionals

Protein is hot, but customers are getting more discerning about the source and quality, says Glanbia Nutritionals

24-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Glanbia Nutritionals has expanded beyond its dairy roots to add pea, chia and flax protein concentrates to its portfolio to meet growing demand for vegan protein, says business development manager Vicky Fligel, who caught up with us for our special edition...

Protein trends

Blending soy and dairy proteins adds benefits for consumers, manufacturers, DuPont says

23-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Two sources of protein in a finished product are better than one when it comes to blending soy and dairy, according to DuPont Nutrition and Health.

Which ancient grains are gaining the most traction in the US food & beverage market?

23-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Ancient grains continue to gain traction in the US food retail and foodservice market, with quinoa leading the pack. However, lesser-known grains such as teff, amaranth and freekeh are starting to picking up some steam as well, according to a new report*...

Expo East in review

Firms try to revitalize struggling frozen pizza category with innovative, healthier options

21-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Four manufacturers showcasing frozen pizzas at Expo East in Baltimore Sept. 17-19 are hoping their products will help revitalize the stagnant category by offering healthier, innovative options that will stand out from competing legacy brands. 

Special edition: Sports Nutrition

Protein powders: The heavyweight in the $16bn sports nutrition market

17-Sep-2015 By Stephen Daniells

The US market for sports nutrition plus energy/nutrition bars and sports drinks is set to cruise past $20 billion by 2020, says Euromonitor International, but which segments are driving growth, and how is the ‘regimentation of fitness’ influencing product...

Grilling season is not limited to Summer, Acosta survey reveals

15-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The unofficial end of summer may have come and gone, but grilling season is far from over, according to sales and market research agency Acosta. 

American Egg Board denies claims it ‘went way beyond its mandate’ as Hampton Creek calls for Congressional investigation

15-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

The American Egg Board (AEB) has rejected allegations by Hampton Creek that it “engaged in numerous illegal activities” in order to undermine the San Francisco-based firm, which is now calling for a Congressional investigation into the AEB’s behavior.

WhiteWave Foods identifies $2.7bn opportunity in plant-based foods beyond beverages

11-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

While the meteoric growth of plant-based beverages such as almondmilk is well-documented, WhiteWave Foods has identified $2.7bn worth of business in other plant-based categories in the US retail market, including yogurt, creamers, and frozen desserts,...

Earth’s first superfood? Solazyme’s whole algae protein gains traction as formulators seek more vegan options

10-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

New sources of protein from edible insects to hemp are being incorporated into a growing number of products from bars to beverages. But does microalgae have what it takes to become a serious player in the so-called ‘alternative proteins’ market?

Pompeo bill would ‘create a competing Non-GMO label with drastically lower standards’, says Non-GMO Project

09-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

While supporters of Rep. Mike Pompeo’s Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (HR1599) welcome its proposal to create a national standard for non-GMO claims, the Non-GMO Project says this would confuse shoppers by creating a competing label underpinned by...

Florida judge approves $3.99m deal in Kashi GMO false advertising lawsuit

08-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

 A federal judge in Florida has approved a $3.99m deal to resolve a proposed class action accusing Kashi of misleading shoppers by labeling products made with GMOs as ‘all-natural’.

Hope Foods on HPP, chocolate hummus, and triple digit growth

08-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

High-pressure-processing (HPP) – which is fast-becoming de rigueur in the super-premium juice category – has also played a key role in the growth of one of the coolest players in the hummus market: Hope Foods, which burst onto the scene in 2011 with its...

‘Crowdfunding Jedi’ takes on Soylent with Ambronite, the ‘world's first organic drinkable supermeal’

04-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Food is fun, says the self-described ‘serial optimist’ and ‘crowdfunding Jedi’ behind 500-calorie vegan ‘drinkable supermeal’ Ambronite. But not every eating occasion can be an epic, Mediterranean-style gathering fueled by wine and great conversation,...

Chipotle: People who eat GM foods are not themselves genetically modified. The same applies to cows fed GM feed…

Chipotle vows to fight ‘meritless’ GMO lawsuit, but case highlights legal minefield over Non-GMO claims

01-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Chipotle says it will vigorously defend a “meritless and unfair” lawsuit accusing it of falsely advertising its wares as non-GMO. But attorneys say the case shows that firms are vulnerable to civil litigation over non-GMO claims if genetic engineering...

Nestlé USA accuses FIT CRUNCH bar maker of trademark infringement over ‘confusingly similar’ logo and packaging

01-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

FIT CRUNCH - baked protein bars developed by celebrity chef Robert Irvine and FortiFX founder Sean Perich – are sold in “packages nearly identical” to Nestlé’s CRUNCH chocolate bars, alleges Nestlé USA in a lawsuit accusing FIT CRUNCH brand owner Pervine...

Protein trends

C-fu’s new processing platforms could help pave the way for an insect commodity market

31-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Two new, versatile production platforms created by ingredient supplier C-fu FOODS could crack open the nascent insect protein commodity market in North America by “abstracting the product from its source,” a company co-founder says.

Letter shows FDA is serious about enforcing standards of identity, says lawyer

FDA warning letter to Hampton Creek could trigger new wave of lawsuits, predict attorneys

25-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

While Unilever dropped a false advertising lawsuit over egg-free spread Just Mayo last year amid an avalanche of bad PR, the FDA has picked up where Unilever left off with a warning letter advising brand owner Hampton Creek it is playing fast and loose...

Taylor Collins on reclaiming meat as a superfood, finding ‘badass investors’ and managing triple-digit growth

EPIC Provisions: ‘If an opportunity came with the right strategic partner, we would absolutely take it’

25-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

Revenues at EPIC Provisions more than tripled to $6.8m in 2014, and are on course to triple again to $20m in 2015 as the EPIC brand - which first hit shelves in 2013 – continues to lure new consumers to a category (premium meat snacks) that has rapidly...

Flavor Trends

Protein players should think outside of the box for flavors, Wixon suggests

21-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Players in the protein category – especially those focused on the center of the plate – are behind the curve when it comes to flavor and need to rethink their strategy to capture and hold modern consumers’ attention, according to flavor and seasoning...

“Channel agnostic” strategy helps Hain Celestial’s sales grow double-digits

20-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Natural and organic food manufacturer Hain Celestial Group continued its five year streak of earning double-digit quarterly sales growth thanks in part to a “channel agnostic go-to-market strategy,” according to the firm’s president and CEO.

New products gallery (breakfast, dinner, dairy): From oat-based savory sides to smoked basmati rice

20-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

From savory sides made with steel-cut oats from Grainful; to hip cottage cheese from good culture; sweet potato cereal from Kashi; and smoked basmati rice from Amira; check out FoodNavigator-USA’s gallery of new products hitting US shelves this summer.

New snacks gallery: From buffalo jerky and salad bites to superfood pouches and bean chips

18-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

From grass-fed Buffalo jerky from Patagonia Provisions; and fruit, veggie and chia-packed squeezy pouches from Happy Valley; to bean chips from General Mills; check out FoodNavigator-USA's gallery of new snacks hitting US shelves this summer.

More grab-and-go, high-protein breakfast items needed to fight chronic diseases, researcher says

17-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research showing high protein breakfasts can prevent weight gain, curb hunger pangs and stabilize glucose levels reveals unmet needs in the marketplace and opportunities for packaged food manufacturers, according to the lead investigator. 

Miyoko’s Kitchen founder: ‘Artisanal vegan cheese will go mainstream in 5-10 years’

14-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

How about a glass of red wine, crackers… and some vegan cheese? If the prospect fills you with horror, says Miyoko’s Kitchen founder and TV chef Miyoko Schinner, you’re not alone. But try some of hers, and you’ll never look back, she insists.

Investor blasts Omega Protein's human nutrition diversification plans, calls for breakup, sale of company

13-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein Corporation has received a harsh critique of its diversification strategy from a major investor.  Wynnefield Partners filed a Form 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission calling for the company to seek alternatives—up to and including...

Alternative proteins, delivery tech dominate M&A activity; supplements trail off

11-Aug-2015 By Hank Schultz

The Nutrition Capital Network reports that mergers and acquisitions activity in branded natural and organic food & beverage companies is on a record-setting pace for 2015. In addition, NCN reports rapid growth in financings in the emerging world of...

IFT Annual Conference

Innovative formulations could make insects more palatable

07-Aug-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The next generation of food scientists is developing palatable and scalable products made with insect protein to help meet the growing global population’s increasing demand for protein.

special edition: protein

Protein where it matters: The demands and opportunities in medical nutrition

06-Aug-2015 By Nathan Gray

Protein is a vital part of providing nutrition to the critically ill, but what do we really know about protein demands for this specialist groups, and how can we better meet them.

Solazyme’s AlgaWise algae oils trialed by ‘several’ global food and beverage companies, says CEO

03-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

Several leading food and beverage companies are now trialing Solazyme’s new high-oleic AlgaWise algae oils, while the egg shortage and the FDA’s final determination on partially hydrogenated oils have also boosted demand for the firm’s AlgaVia whole algal...

Tiny plants with huge potential: Introducing two new players to the plant-based protein market

03-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

Two firms that generated a lot of buzz at the IFT show this year were Parabel and Hinoman, which are both selling brand new nutrient-packed ingredients from tiny aquatic plants. But do they have what it takes to give more established players in the plant-based...

Control of breeding process set its pea protein apart, says World Food Processing

29-Jul-2015 By Hank Schultz

Iowa-based World Food Processing says its “seed-to-solution” approach sets its pea protein apart as the only such protein grown and processed in the US.

Lights, camera, action! Edible insects in focus at IFT 2015

23-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

No self-respecting food conference would be complete these days without a session on edible insects. But are they a gimmick or a serious source of alternative protein? FoodNavigator-USA editor Elaine Watson headed to the 2015 IFT show in Chicago to find...

What were the hottest - and weirdest - ingredient trends at IFT? From fermented stevia & mushroom mycelium to the world’s smallest vegetable…

23-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

Can the world’s smallest vegetable give other sources of plant protein a run for their money? Will consumers accept ‘synbio’ ingredients, and will the rare sugar allulose be a hit? FoodNavigator-USA hit the show floor at IFT to find out what’s hot, what’s...

Summer Fancy Food Show

NonGMO verification opens retailers’ doors for I Heart Keenwah’s puffs and cluster snacks

17-Jul-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Earning the NonGMO Project verification for every product in the I Heart Keenwah line was a “frustrating” and “taxing” year-long process, but it was worth it, said the company’s president and co-founder Ravi Jolly. 

Trendwatching at IFT 2015: From on-trend botanicals, tiger nuts, and matcha to non-GMO claims

17-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

Market researchers Innova Market Insights and Mintel shared new data on what’s hot and what’s not in food & beverages at the IFT show this year, exploring everything from dairy-free claims to why consumers buy organic foods.

10 strategies to accelerate new product growth

16-Jul-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

The number of new products coming to market every year continues to shrink, but that doesn’t make cutting through the competition any easier, according to Larry Levin, executive VP and practice leader at IRI Worldwide. 

Whole grains 101: Highlights from the 2015 Whole Grain Summit

07-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans say half of our grains should be whole. So how are we doing? FoodNavigator-USA headed to Portland, Oregon, for the 2015 Whole Grain Summit  - organized by Oregon State University and the Grains for Health Foundation...

Your guide to IFT 2015: From cultured meat, 3D printing, and novel proteins to feeding your hungry microbiome...

06-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

Why is dietary diversity essential for a healthy microbiome? Can 3D printing and edible insects live up to the hype? And when will growing meat in the lab be commercially viable? Check out FoodNavigator-USA's guide to the hottest topics at the Institute...

Ultra-fast-growing aquatic plant promises year-round supply of sustainable vegetable protein

06-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

A novel source of vegetable protein that promises to give rivals a run for their money in the nutrition and sustainability stakes, will make its debut at the IFT show next week.  

Tech incubator offering $250,000 in seed funding to startups in cultured meat, eggs, milk

01-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

San Francisco-based seed stage biotech accelerator Indie Bio is offering up to $250k in seed funding for scientists and entrepreneurs developing cultured meat, milk, and egg products. 

Canadian firm to debut blended solution for vegetarian protein, fiber fortification

30-Jun-2015 By Hank Schultz

Canadian supplier Dealers Ingredients plans to debut its Profi one-stop solution for vegetarian protein and fiber fortification at the upcoming Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) trade show in Chicago.

Insect protein market has enthusiasm & sustainability – now it needs a business plan

30-Jun-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The insect protein market has been relying on its youthful enthusiasm and faith in sustainability but it needs a solid business plan to move forward, says Invenire as it seeks crowdfunding for its edible insect roadmap.